Yakutat man missing, feared drowned

YAKUTAT (AP) -- The Coast Guard Thursday suspended the agency's search for a Yakutat man missing and feared drowned.

David Joseph Johnson, 22, and his friend, Benjamin Benson, 45, were digging for clams in Monti Bay Thursday morning when their skiff drifted away, Alaska State Troopers said.

Benson told troopers Johnson tried to swim after the boat but was only able to make it halfway. Johnson then turned around and began to swim to shore but disappeared in the water.

Benson tried to rescue Johnson but was unsuccessful. He hiked back to Yakutat and reported the incident.

About 21 volunteers searched the water until dark Wednesday night. A Coast Guard helicopter aided in the search. Family and friends were searching the water again Thursday.

The skiff was located when it drifted to shore in Oyster Bay, the Coast Guard said.